Elder Chipman's Adventures in Africa: Week 3 - Liberdade A

Alrighty, so shout outs to Mozambique cause they party so hard here that the festivities go until the 26th hahha not really but just because Christmas fell on a Sunday this year the Government wanted everything closed for the 26th so that is why this email is coming in a day late.

But oh my goodness guys, I feel like Buddy the Elf because of how happy I have been these couple of days. The number one reason is cause I got to see all of you guys (The Dirty 30 & 3/4's)! It was so good to see you guys and it was honestly so crazy to see how much everyone has grown up, especially the little kiddies! Thank you, guys, for all your sweet words and just for your smiles and Christmas wishes. Second reason is because I have been enjoying all that was sent in the Christmas package. I loved all the cards (which are now hanging on my mosquito net) and all the presents and treats. Third, just cause this time is "the most beautiful time of the year" as Justin Bieber says. It is not because of the snow or cause of the 114-degree heat, but because of the spirit that comes with this great time! I am so very grateful for the chance that I have had to be in the mission field for two Christmas' now.

Since the fam has kind of been updated on most of the week so far it will be a short update section this week. So far, this transfer has gone by faster than any other on my mission with the this week helping out with it. We have been been battling with water and electricity problems but the past couple of days we have been all good. There is honestly nothing better than the energy coming back in the middle of the night after laying in your bed, sweating and rage punching mosquitoes for a couple of hours. This week I did a division with one of my favorite Elders, Elder Mayeya. He is from Zambia and I have always told him that at least one time we would work together on our missions and it finally happened. I took him out to lunch at Maxxi's for a Christmas present where we enjoyed the most American hamburger and fries I have had on my entire mission. It was super fun walking with him and getting to know him better. On Thursday, we had a service project helping a family in the ward prep the chickens that they would be selling for the holidays. It involved us killing and plucking all the chickens that we possibly could haha. Friday, we had Zone Conference, where we fit 60 missionaries into the mission office and had a great time. Saturday, we made it to the mission office safe through the heat and a storm to Skype. Sunday, in the morning we made some visits and then had just an hour of church at 11:30. We came home and I made lunch for everyone (shredded bbq chicken sandwiches with some rice bc Africa) and then we had one visit in the evening but then had to be home at 18:00, So in the night we cleaned, I baked a cake and we were able to relax just a little bit.

For a just a little spiritual thought it comes from Ralph Waldo Emerson (S/O to Coach Thompson) and it says, "This time, like all times is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it." I have been thinking a lot about this little quote because it is so true for this time of year. Generally, all times are good but this time of Christmas and New Year’s is a great one if only we know what to do with it. Christmas, we have the chance to be with our families and remember the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. New Years, we have the chance to be optimistic, set goals and have a new outlook on a new year. I don’t think it is coincidence that these two times fall together. It is because of Jesus Christ that we can progress and be optimistic. He suffered so that He could know how to help each and every single one of us be better in this life. So that we can feel of His and our Father in Heaven's love, joy and happiness. I hope that with the New Year coming we all have new goals and aspirations set for 2017 and I hope that we all turn to Christ to help us with these things that we wish to change, accomplish and feel personally but also to become better in blessing the lives of others!

Love yall! Have a great week!

Elder Chipman